The model of a contemporary female Catholic as designed by religious girls on the threshold of adulthood. A report on focus group interviews

This article describes the model of a contemporary Catholic woman as designed by religious girls on the threshold of adulthood. In the struggle of young people with existential dilemmas, both specific models and abstract role models may prove to be helpful. Both have become the subject of research carried out in 2021 conducted using 10 focus group interviews with 35 female students in the final years of secondary schools. The focus groups were created by recruiting 17–18 years olds girls of the Roman Catholic faith living in western and northern Poland and attended religion lessons. This article contains an excerpt concerning the model of a Catholic woman in the contemporary world designed by interviewees. The projection task showed that the created role models go beyond the stereotypical images of Catholic women, less refers to a specific traditional Christian personal models and is an exemplification of a new female perspective in Catholicism.

Melchior Grodziecki as a contemporary role model for peace education in culturally diverse Cieszyn

St. Melchior Grodziecki is presented in the context of peace education, which constitutes a set of fundamental principles of upbringing and role modelling in the modern world, while taking into account the aspect of the Saint’s veneration in the culturally diverse town of Cieszyn. The Saint’s biography is presented in the context of the epoch in which he lived. The issue of peace education and searching for role models significant in the life of contemporary people constitutes an important area of consideration. Attention is drawn to the reverence of St. Melchior Grodziecki in culturally diverse Cieszyn, with special reference to the year 2019, which was declared in the province of Silesia as the Year of Melchior Grodziecki. Melchior Grodziecki is an important model for the inhabitants of Cieszyn. On the basis of his biography, it is possible to explain and show what an important role is played in human life by history, which determines human fate and influences the choices made.